July 1, 2016
Our topic today is sushi. Popular worldwide, we focus on sushi innovations in Japan, both technical and culinary. We visit a sushi outlet with a new high-tech system offering the ultimate speedy service. We also meet an innovative sushi chef...

July 1, 2016
Today's topic is emerging Japanese startups. We visit Tokyo's new center for hardware startups: Akihabara. The district is famous for discount electronics and "otaku" nerd culture. There, we spotlight 2 successful businesses reaching for the stars; a microsatellite maker

The Takarazuka Revue Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014. It was created by a railway company called Hankyu to lure people to Takarazuka, the last stop on the train. They perform about 1200 shows and draw 2.5 million people annually.

Japanese industrial products are famous for their high quality. This reputation is backed by immaculately produced parts supplied by small- and mid-sized companies. The program features one such company, Komatsu Spring Industrial, that makes more than 3,000 kinds of precision springs.

Bridgestone has had the largest share in the global tire market since 2008. Starting from a clothing store in a small town, the company has become a global enterprise with 170 plants in 25 countries. The path to success, however, was not easy.

Nikken Sekkei was founded in 1900, and has been an integral part of Japan’s modernization. Their projects total more than 20,000, including the Tokyo Skytree and the State Guest House in Kyoto. The chairman Mitsuo Nakamura talks about their creative challenges and overseas operations offering eco-friendly urban designs.

The NAMCO BANDAI Holdings was formed after the two companies merged in 2005. Bandai offered toys while Namco specialized in games. The company expands business by applying characters from animation, games and comics to various products and services. Its consolidated net sales totaled almost 5 billion dollars in 2012.